- Defence Secretary, DG NCC lead wreath-laying at National War Memorial
Tri-Service girl cadets join ceremony honouring India’s Fallen Heroes
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
NEW DELHI, NOV 22
The National Cadet Corps (NCC) commenced its 78th Raising Day observances with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial on Friday. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Director General NCC Lt Gen Virendra Vats placed wreaths on behalf of the organisation, paying homage to India’s fallen soldiers.
In a poignant moment underscoring the NCC’s inclusive ethos, three girl cadets representing the Army, Navy and Air Force wings also laid a wreath, honouring the nation’s Bravehearts. The tribute was followed by a ceremonial band performance by NCC cadets from Delhi schools, lending a dignified cadence to the commemoration.
From its modest beginning in 1948 with 20,000 cadets, the NCC has grown into the world’s largest uniformed youth organisation, today enrolling 20 lakh cadets—an expansion of 6 lakh cadets between 2014 and 2025. Its presence now spans 713 of India’s 780 districts, reflecting its unmatched reach and influence in shaping disciplined and socially responsible youth.
Across the country, cadets marked the occasion with public-spirited activities including blood donation camps, tree plantation drives, Swachhta Hi Sewa campaigns and anti-drug awareness programmes under Nasha Mukti Abhiyaan, reinforcing the NCC’s commitment to community welfare and environmental stewardship.
Addressing the gathering, the Defence Secretary lauded the NCC’s contributions to national development and youth empowerment. He highlighted key initiatives such as Apda Mitra disaster-response training, the NCC Mount Everest expedition, and the integration of drone and cyber training, which are equipping cadets for emerging national challenges.
As the NCC celebrates its 78th Raising Day, it continues its evolution into a future-ready organisation, nurturing disciplined, skilled and service-oriented youth dedicated to building a Viksit Bharat.
